I'm currently playing with Pac x CoF @ 48x44, and tried this setup about a year ago at 52x48 -- hated it.

But after reading a thread on syngut mains x poly crosses and one on ELT where syngut @ 35 has been getting rave reviews, I decided to give it another try -- albeit considerably looser strung. Now that outdoor season is beginning where I live, I need a reliable backup setup that can handle moisture and the occasional puddle.

I have to say that off the bat I was much more impressed than the last time. A year ago there was no feel, no power, and no spin. Eight pounds looser and the difference was considerable: it was much more comparable to my usual setup, probably 90% of the power, 85% of the spin, albeit 75% of the feel. No string movement, and it seems arm-friendly.

For an occasional backup stick when there's inclement weather, not bad at all. It seems to be solid and reliable, and I didn't mind at all playing long stretches with it.

I'm now tempted to give Isospeed Energetic 1.20 x CoF another shot as well to compare. But I'm certainly content enough to stick with this for a while.

Still thanking my lucky stars that I ever stumbled across this thread and felt prompted to begin looking at gut/poly at all.

Presently liking VS/CoF massively in my Blade 98, and look forward to contrasting later with Pac Classic/CoF. Tried the latter in several frames and it was just everything I could ask for and more in particular two frames. Where it hasn't worked so well for me previously has been in more powerful open rackets, which is surely due to too low tensions.

Anyhow, just 'reporting back'... TBH I'm still staggered and delighted by the duration, performance, value for money and comfort these set ups provide.

I am also thankful for this thread and enjoying the set up but am perplexed by the longevity that you guys are getting. I love the playability but suffer from a severe trampoline effect after about 12 to 15 hours. I feel like I have to restring even though I have not broken a string to get the control back.

I am also thankful for this thread and enjoying the set up but am perplexed by the longevity that you guys are getting. I love the playability but suffer from a severe trampoline effect after about 12 to 15 hours. I feel like I have to restring even though I have not broken a string to get the control back.

This is the third set of similar string jobs that play GREAT for 10-12 hours and then feels like a rapid drop off into the awful trampoline loss of control. I read somewhere else on these threads that this can happen while the poly is dying and then after its dead its playable again. But I haven't had the patience to try to play through this period. I am going to restring one tonight and maybe leave the other to experiment; either by recycling the gut or measuring how long it takes on a ball machine to get out that phase. Ideas?

This is the third set of similar string jobs that play GREAT for 10-12 hours and then feels like a rapid drop off into the awful trampoline loss of control. I read somewhere else on these threads that this can happen while the poly is dying and then after its dead its playable again. But I haven't had the patience to try to play through this period. I am going to restring one tonight and maybe leave the other to experiment; either by recycling the gut or measuring how long it takes on a ball machine to get out that phase. Ideas?

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That's so weird! When I used to experience poly death, it happened somewhere around hours 20-25 and it wasn't a trampoline effect so much as it just felt terrible. But when I started stringing for myself (ie no prestretch) the sensation vanished.

You are a bit high in your tensions, and I don't know whether or not you have contemporary strokes (ie topspin) or classic (ie flat) ones, so I'm not sure whether there are simple adjustments that could be made to avoid this.

Do you have racquettune or a tension meter in order to determine whether or not you're truly experiencing rapid tension loss? I think getting that kind of objective data might be a helpful first step right now.

In any event, I do think that you should be getting 2-4x the time you're currently getting. That's been my experience anyway.

Thanks Smasher, good idea on the racquettune, I'll tr that and see if I can get some data that will shed light. Modern strokes.

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That's so strange. Perhaps Big Kahuna can assist here since he has the same setup as you!

The only reason I can think of right now is such a remote possibility it's barely worth mentioning: improperly tied knots.

I feel ridiculous even typing it!

Even if your crosses are losing some tension, that should in theory be allowing your mains to deflect and snap back even more. And in any event, slightly changing the angle of your racket face to increase spin should more than compensate for it. But if things were that easy to fix, you probably would have done it subconsciously by now!

It's possible that you're just really sensitive to tensions, in which case restringing your crosses might remedy it (note: even though there are a lot of folks on these boards who've done this, it's still something that could potentially damage/break your racket -- so make sure you've got a 6-pt mount and make an informed decision).

Otherwise, I'd suggest taking racquettune readings both of the stringjob you feel has had it as well your newest one, and then take readings after every time you hit. That'll at least give you objective evidence about any tension loss.

That's so strange. Perhaps Big Kahuna can assist here since he has the same setup as you!

The only reason I can think of right now is such a remote possibility it's barely worth mentioning: improperly tied knots.

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That is so interesting you mention that, because I had the same thought after reading your other comments. I am a novice stringer and still struggle with knots, so that is a very real possibility. I will focus a bit more on knots next time and see if that makes a difference.

I posted on the other gut/poly thread to try to get Big Kahanu's take, but he recommends stringing after 12 hours or so anyway, so that made me think my observations were more normal with this set up. I have heard others call this racquet a "string eater," so maybe that is one of the manifestations. I am using a full bed of Yonex PTP 125 now and it plays even better, so would likely restring that stuff every 12 hours anyway. Guess I'll get lots of practice tying knots!

Agreed, and thanks for the tips. Do you add 5# to outside mains only or crosses too? I did buy a starting clamp after my first 3 jobs and you're right it's much better. The knots on synthetics seems easy, gut is medium hard, but that darn poly is tough to get the knots tight!

Agreed, and thanks for the tips. Do you add 5# to outside mains only or crosses too? I did buy a starting clamp after my first 3 jobs and you're right it's much better. The knots on synthetics seems easy, gut is medium hard, but that darn poly is tough to get the knots tight!

After playing this morning I've decided to call time on my Pacific-COFocus experiment. I picked my spare racket out of my bag that still had my old string setup in it [Cyclone mains-Sensation crosses] and to me it felt much cleaner. the sweet spot felt bigger and my forehand felt crisper. I can't say that I noticed any comfort issues either. So there you go, it's not for me so the search goes on.

That is so interesting you mention that, because I had the same thought after reading your other comments. I am a novice stringer and still struggle with knots, so that is a very real possibility. I will focus a bit more on knots next time and see if that makes a difference.

I posted on the other gut/poly thread to try to get Big Kahanu's take, but he recommends stringing after 12 hours or so anyway, so that made me think my observations were more normal with this set up. I have heard others call this racquet a "string eater," so maybe that is one of the manifestations. I am using a full bed of Yonex PTP 125 now and it plays even better, so would likely restring that stuff every 12 hours anyway. Guess I'll get lots of practice tying knots!

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Ironically, I am ALSO now playing with a full bed of Yonex PTP 125 and I agree - for the most part, it performs even better than my gut/poly hybrid. I am getting nearly the same touch strung at 45 lbs as I did in the hybrid, with the same power, nearly the same comfort, and a lot more spin.

Beyond that, I just tried the new Yonex PTP 120, and it has even more feel, power, and spin than the 125. This poly plays more like a cross between gut and poly than it does like your traditional poly - very soft and playable.

I am getting about 15-20 from each set before I feel I should cut it out - very good tension maintenance. Read the TW review on this string. It is in the Top Five of all polys right now in Overall Performance on Stringforum and was voted the Newcomer Poly of the Year last year by them - finished second overall in Best String of 2012.

This string is a great match for any of the more "modern game" racquets out there. Really, really impressed!

I love this setup in my Volkl V1 Classic Mids. Am about to switch to the Organix V1 Pro, will see how I like it in that.

But as someone who...

1. Strings for himself, and

2. Is not a string breaker, so I only string about once a month

I hate stringing this setup. Gut is nerve wracking for me, I'm paranoid about kinking the stuff, and rightly so since I've ruined gut before via kinking it. And the Co Focus is just difficult for me to weave.

So I found a place here in Austin, for $20 they pick up your racquet and string it with your string and then drop it off the next day. Oh heck yeah.

Wish I could find a multi or easy to string poly I liked as good as this setup, but I just REALLY dislike stringing gut to the point if I keep this setup I'll pay these guys to do it. Maybe I'll sell my Neos 1000 and buy a ball machine.

Ironically, I am ALSO now playing with a full bed of Yonex PTP 125 and I agree - for the most part, it performs even better than my gut/poly hybrid. I am getting nearly the same touch strung at 45 lbs as I did in the hybrid, with the same power, nearly the same comfort, and a lot more spin.

Beyond that, I just tried the new Yonex PTP 120, and it has even more feel, power, and spin than the 125. This poly plays more like a cross between gut and poly than it does like your traditional poly - very soft and playable.

I am getting about 15-20 from each set before I feel I should cut it out - very good tension maintenance. Read the TW review on this string. It is in the Top Five of all polys right now in Overall Performance on Stringforum and was voted the Newcomer Poly of the Year last year by them - finished second overall in Best String of 2012.

This string is a great match for any of the more "modern game" racquets out there. Really, really impressed!

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Have you tried the PTP as a cross with your gut yet? Thinking about going to a larger headsize and sticking to the gut/poly hybrid. I'm just not good enough for the 95D and considering a 100sq, 16x19 pattern. It's not that large of a change but I need every bit I can get.

Have you tried the PTP as a cross with your gut yet? Thinking about going to a larger headsize and sticking to the gut/poly hybrid. I'm just not good enough for the 95D and considering a 100sq, 16x19 pattern. It's not that large of a change but I need every bit I can get.

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Actually, no. I am very pleased with my full bed poly set-up right not with the Yonex PTP 120. It almost has the feel and comfort of the hybrid, but more spin and control. I am sure the PTP 120 would make an awesome cross string in a hybrid if the MSV Co-Focus 18g runs out.

Based on overall play test results on Stringforum and from my experience, other good poly cross choices might be:

Originally strung with syn gut, now I have Wilson / CoFocus. Oh man, what a difference. Much better pocketing, better power, more spin. Felt so nice!
Gut 52/CoF 48. I think the syn gut was strung at 50.

Originally strung with syn gut, now I have Wilson / CoFocus. Oh man, what a difference. Much better pocketing, better power, more spin. Felt so nice!
Gut 52/CoF 48. I think the syn gut was strung at 50.

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Wow. You're stringing your gut mains higher than your syngut tension? Next time try dropping each 3-5 lbs. Your poly crosses will still ensure a stiff stringbed, and the looser tension will allow your mains to deflect and snap back more.

it's funny, I demoed Prince and Wilson guts and kept coming back to Pacific Classic because it had this great combo of feel with crispness. But now that I've switched to the Volkl V1 Pro, I'm thinking that the slightly mushier feel of the Wilson and Prince guts might be a better fit in this stick. Might have to play with that.

Alright, now I'm starting to question the quality of the latest batch of Pacific Classic. And by the "latest batch", I meant the batch that came after the long drought earlier this year.

This 3rd racquet snapped at the same location, the top cross tie-off knot. I'm not avoiding blame here, because I did hit it off-center. However, this time I was just tapping a ball back in play for my partner to volley (we were just warming up). Even he was surprised that I snapped a string with the mere tap. :shock:

Seriously, I tapped it back in. I put nothing into the shot and it just floated, and the mains snapped.

I just find it odd that I snapped 3 strings all in the same exact spot. I'm not avoiding blame here, but the streak is making me wonder the quality of the latest batch of Pacific Classic 16g.

All of these strings popped with less than 1hour of playing time. And all knots were hand-pulled.

I am surprised that your stringer allowed the racquet to leave his place that way. If he cared about his work, and /or reputation he would have cut it out and restrung it before giving it to you. It certainly would not have taken all that much extra time to correct his mistake.He must have known this as he did not charge, but... he would have been better off doing it the proper way, and charging what the job is worth. But.. as long as you like it, but for your information the strings are not legal.

So I managed to snap a fresh job in ~30mins, again off of a mishit. Mishit/frames aren't new to me (this one off of a return), but like I mentioned in earliest posts, I could frame balls out of the park and this setup will not snap prematurely on me. Until recent events that is.

So, I have a new theory: I'm starting to believe I need to replace my grommets as the current ones are becoming worn out.

I rotate between my 4 BLX90's. With this setup, I snap the gut every ~1.5weeks-2weeks (string savers included), and these grommets are approaching 2 years old.

So I managed to snap a fresh job in ~30mins, again off of a mishit. Mishit/frames aren't new to me (this one off of a return), but like I mentioned in earliest posts, I could frame balls out of the park and this setup will not snap prematurely on me. Until recent events that is.

So, I have a new theory: I'm starting to believe I need to replace my grommets as the current ones are becoming worn out.

I rotate between my 4 BLX90's. With this setup, I snap the gut every ~1.5weeks-2weeks (string savers included), and these grommets are approaching 2 years old.

BTW I am experimenting with full bed MSV Focus Hex 1.10 strung at 40# in one of my i Radical MP L4 frames.....results so far are flat out amazing, I remain dumbfounded by this.....

Might try giving that a whirl just for giggles if you like topspin.

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Focus Hex 1.18 was the very first MSV string I tried. I used it as mains in a hybrid with Iso Professional Classic crosses.

At first I loved it, but after a while it lost some lustre. I didn't like how it would shave the felt off the ball over an hour or two, and I didn't like the quality of its spin. Don't get me wrong, the spin was incredible, but there was something about its quality that didn't really mesh with all court attacking tennis. Imo it suits more of a retriever's game. With gut-poly I find it's heavier spin that has more depth and explosiveness, if that makes any sense at all.

about 7/8 hrs, strung at 51/48, power increased too much thus restrung the cross.

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Ack, that's not good! It's the friction from the restring that killed the setup! If you want to restring your crosses, you may have to go up to one of the midrange priced guts that have a thicker and more robust coating.

Focus Hex 1.18 was the very first MSV string I tried. I used it as mains in a hybrid with Iso Professional Classic crosses.

At first I loved it, but after a while it lost some lustre. I didn't like how it would shave the felt off the ball over an hour or two, and I didn't like the quality of its spin. Don't get me wrong, the spin was incredible, but there was something about its quality that didn't really mesh with all court attacking tennis. Imo it suits more of a retriever's game. With gut-poly I find it's heavier spin that has more depth and explosiveness, if that makes any sense at all.

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Not finding that to be the case so far with the 1.10 hex strung at super low tension though agree loopy junk is available as well. For me the benefit is screaming forehands that were 6/8 " long are now dropping. I am able to hit with dramatically more pace.